A third (33%) of pet owners are preparing a safe space for their pets ahead of Bonfire Night, according to a recent poll by Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance[1].
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance polled over 300 pet owners to find out what measures they are taking to keep their animals safe and calm.
Around one in five respondents will be providing support to their pets (21%), which includes playing games and providing companionship, and closing their windows (20%) in a bid to keep their pets safe during the celebration[1].
Bonfire Night can be scary for animals because of the loud noises and bright lights that accompany fireworks. This can cause animals to be anxious and distressed, which poses a risk to them and the people around them.
Owners are urged to look out for signs of a distressed animal, which include pacing, crying, trembling and displaying aggressive behaviour.
In the last month, Google searches for ‘pet safety’ have increased by 6% as the celebration approaches2.
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance shares six actionable tips for pet owners looking to keep their pets safe and calm over the next few weeks:
Create a safe space
“Establishing a designated space for your pet, away from noise, can help them to relax and feel secure. Ensure the room is safe and free from potential dangers to prevent accidents or harm. If your dog is accustomed to it, consider using a crate for added safety.”
Exercise your pets during the day
“It is against the law to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, with few exceptions, and so exercising your pets early in the morning will help you to avoid triggering sounds and sights. Keeping your pets indoors in the evenings, when it’s dark outside, should help with this too.”
Close the curtains and put on music to mask the sound
“Closing the curtains will help to muffle the sound of fireworks and block out the bright lights completely. To take this one step further, you can play music to disguise the sounds and keep your pet distracted.”
There are more than 600 playlists on Spotify with titles containing the terms ‘dog’ and ‘sleep’, ‘calm’ or ‘relax’3.
Make sure there is easy access to food and water
“Keeping your pet in a contained space can help them to feel more relaxed – but it’s important that they have easy access to food and water. Bowls with a wide base will be less likely to knock over and so will help to minimise mess.”
Have treats on standby
“Treats are an effective distraction technique and can also be used to reward good behaviour when your pet settles. We would recommend introducing a new treat or bringing out a favourite treat.”
Make sure your pet is microchipped
“Fireworks can trigger your pet’s fight or flight instincts, which means that they could try to run away. Make sure that your pet is microchipped so that they are easier to find and bring home to safety. If you’ve moved house or changed your phone number recently, make sure that all your information is up to date.”
In 2021, 34% more dogs were reported as missing during the first two weeks of November, encompassing Bonfire Night and Diwali, compared to the following two weeks4.
Jason King, Chief Customer Officer at Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, comments: “We urge pet owners to take precautions ahead of Bonfire Night to make sure their pets are safe and well. At this time of year, fireworks can be set off over the course of a few weeks so pet owners should be prepared. “
Pet theft or straying is covered by Sainsbury’s pet insurance5. If the worst should happen, and your pet goes missing, we can help to provide the means of getting them back safely, by supplying money towards missing posters and rewards.”
For more guidance on pet insurance policies or looking after your pet’s health and wellbeing, visit the Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance website here.
http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/pet-insurance/guides/health-and-wellbeing
